Kiwi star Carter to take six-month break from rugby next year to let body rest

New Zealand fly-half Daniel Carter is to take a six-month sabbatical from rugby after the November tour of Europe, missing most of next year's Super Rugby season and the All Blacks tests in the international window next June.

The 31-year-old twice IRB World Player of the Year, who plays Super Rugby for the Canterbury Crusaders, said he wanted the break to recover after more than a decade at the top level of rugby with an eye on playing at the 2015 World Cup.

Sabbatical: Carter will take a six-month break from rugby after November

Experienced: Carter has 95 caps for New Zealand, spanning over a decade

'When you play the game full-time at this level it does take a toll on your body,' Carter said.

'I've had a few injury niggles over recent years, so I'm keen to ensure I do everything I can to recover fully from those and prolong my career.'

Carter's move emulates that of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who took a similar sabbatical this year but returned to play for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby playoffs and is in the New Zealand squad for the Rugby Championship.

In sight: Carter (left) says he is still planning on playing in the 2015 World Cup